Clerk of Court Job in New Orleans, LA

Vacancy No. 2026-02 Department U.S. Courts
Salary $199,275.00 to $230,842.00 Grade 17 to 18
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 5/7/2026 Close Date 5/11/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
New Orleans, LA


Summary

The Clerk manages the flow of cases through the court, maintains court records, and handles other administrative duties as assigned by the court. In support of that mission, the Clerk is also responsible for maintaining automation systems and programs related to electronic case filing and case processing. In addition, the Clerk oversees the bar admission and renewal process and serves as the point of contact for attorneys, litigants, and the public with respect to case-related matters.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

The responsibilities of the Clerk of the Court of Appeals, under the supervision of the court, include but are not limited to the following:

  • Overseeing and conducting the business of the court, including case management, records maintenance, management of court calendars and sittings, statistical reporting, special studies, opinion publication and circulation, and procurement management.
  • Establishing and maintaining working relationships with the district courts of the circuit, the practicing Bar, governmental agencies having business before the court, and the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
  • As delegated by the court, under local rules, disposing of specified motions filed in cases before the court.
  • Interpreting, implementing, and providing guidance on the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure and the court's local rules and internal operating procedures.
  • As requested, consulting with and providing recommendations to the court on matters affecting the court's business.
  • Participating in planning the annual court budget and forecasting personnel needs.
  • Coordinating with other unit executives of the court.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • Applicants must be U.S. citizens or meet the requirements under current law for working in the U.S.
  • The initial appointment is provisional and contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background investigation.
  • Direct deposit of pay is required.

Qualifications

An applicant must have at a minimum a bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university. A master's degree, relevant post graduate certification, or a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree is preferred and may be substituted for up to 2 years of professional experience.

In addition to the above educational requirement, an applicant must have a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible administrative experience in public service or business that provided a thorough understanding of organizational, procedural, and human aspects in managing an organization. This should be experience where the incumbent has gained a general understanding of court operations and the ability to lead with vision, sustain a high level of organizational excellence, develop and execute strategic plans, articulate management priorities, foster strong and effective working relationships, integrate current and future technologies, and analyze data. The overall experience must also include a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible, successful, and substantial experience in a supervisory or management role.

Education

An applicant must have at a minimum a bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university. A master's degree, relevant post graduate certification, or a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree is preferred and may be substituted for up to 2 years of professional experience.

Additional information

  • Funding is not available to support interviewee travel expenses.
  • Positions with the U.S. Courts are excepted service appointments and "at will."
  • Relocation reimbursement may be available in some instances.
  • The court also reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job, withdraw the job announcement, or fill the position, any of which actions may occur without any prior written or other notice.
The Fifth Circuit is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Although not civil service employees, federal court employees share in most of the federal fringe benefit programs, including paid annual and sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays, health insurance, and life insurance, with optional vision and dental, flexible spending account program, federal retirement, and the Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401K plan).

Review our benefits

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Applicants will must be citizens of the United States or be authorized to work in the United States. The court will conduct an evaluation of each applicants' qualifications and materials after receipt of a compete application packet.

Required Documents

A complete applicant's packet must include: a cover letter, resume, salary history, and three professional references.

See 'How to Apply' for instructions.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, salary history, and three professional references, by Monday, May 11, 2026, via email (as a single PDF only) to: court_vacancy@ca5.uscourts.gov.

The court anticipates that the Clerk of Court will enter on duty in September 2026 to provide an overlap with the incumbent, who retires at the beginning of October.

Agency contact information

Human Resources Unit
Email
court_vacancy@ca5.uscourts.gov
Address
United States Court of Appeals for Fifth Circuit
600 Camp Street, Room 109
New Orleans, LA 70130
US

Next steps

Due to the volume of applications received, only applicants who are selected for interviews will be contacted by the court.

U.S. Courts

The Judges of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit invite applications from qualified persons for the position of Clerk of Court. Appointed by the court, the Clerk of Court reports to the Chief Judge through a judge designee and serves as the chief operating officer for the Clerk's Office. Charged by statute with faithfully entering and recording all orders, decrees, judgments, and proceedings of the court, the Clerk manages the flow of cases through the court, maintains court records, and handles other administrative duties as assigned by the court. In support of that mission, the Clerk is also responsible for maintaining automation systems and programs related to electronic case filing and case processing. In addition, the Clerk oversees the bar admission and renewal process and serves as the point of contact for attorneys, litigants, and the public with respect to case-related matters.

Agency contact information

Human Resources Unit
Email
court_vacancy@ca5.uscourts.gov
Address
United States Court of Appeals for Fifth Circuit
600 Camp Street, Room 109
New Orleans, LA 70130
US

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Learn more about what it's like to work at U.S. Courts, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/